Ed C'tee OKs Hikes in Supplemental Payments by Parents

The Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee approved, Monday, Education Minister Shai Piron's outline for increases ranging from about 53 percent to more than 67 percent in the supplemental fees that parents of public-school children have to pay, in the wake of the Ofek Chadash (New Horizon) and Oz Literumah (literally "might for exchange") reforms. The supplemental payment per class in pre-school and kindergardens for the 5774 (2013-2014) school year will jump from the current 119 shekels to 199 shekels for the highest percentage jump, while elementary parents will be at the bottom of the spectrum with a new fee of NIS 177. Middle school parent will pay 212 shekels, up 59 percent, and parents of high schoolers will pay NIS 230, up 54 percent.

Rabbi Piron told the committee, "I hope it will be one of the last times the Education Committee will meet to approve the payment by the parents."